UAChecked 20 Oct 2026 against united.com
United Airlines cabin bag size 2026
On United Airlines’ cheapest fare (Basic Economy) you can bring one free under-seat bag up to 43 × 25 × 22 cm. A cabin bag up to 56 × 35 × 23 cm isn’t included on Basic Economy: book United Economy, or add its benefits in My Trips. It comes with United Economy and Premium cabins.
Check my bag against United Airlines- Free under-seat bag
- 43 × 25 × 22 cmOn Basic Economy
- Overhead cabin bag
- 56 × 35 × 23 cmNot on the cheapest fare
Check your bag against United Airlines’ limits
United Airlines cabin bags by fare
What each ticket type includes, as published by United Airlines.
| Fare | Under-seat bag | Cabin bag |
|---|---|---|
Basic Economy
| Included 43 × 25 × 22 cm Must fit under the seat in front: 17 × 10 × 9 in. No weight limit. | Paid add-on 56 × 35 × 23 cm Book United Economy, or add its benefits in My Trips Not included on most trips. When it is, the limit is 22 × 14 × 9 in. |
United Economy
| Included 43 × 25 × 22 cm 17 × 10 × 9 in, such as a handbag, backpack or laptop bag. No weight limit. | Included 56 × 35 × 23 cm Must fit the overhead locker: 22 × 14 × 9 in, including wheels and handles. No weight limit. |
| Premium cabins | Included 43 × 25 × 22 cm 17 × 10 × 9 in. | Included 56 × 35 × 23 cm 22 × 14 × 9 in. Same as Economy: one cabin bag and one under-seat bag. |
United Airlines measures the whole bag, including wheels, handles and pockets.
If your bag is too big at the gate
Oversized or extra bags must be checked and a fee may apply. On Basic Economy, a bag that won't fit under the seat is gate-checked for a fee.
$75 on Basic Economy ($65 on tickets bought before 3 April 2026)
It’s almost always cheaper to add the right bag when you book or online before you fly.
Other United Airlines cabin rules worth knowing
- CommutAir (United Express) flights: under-seat bag only.
- Other United Express flights allow cabin bags but space is tight; gate-checked bags may be handed back on the jet bridge.
- Free extras: a jacket or coat, umbrella, reading material, airport food, mobility aids, car seat or pushchair, nappy bag, breast pump and camera.
- Smart bags: take the lithium batteries out before boarding.
- Keep medicines, vapes, e-cigarettes and keys in your under-seat bag in case your cabin bag is gate-checked.
- Bag sizers are available at the airport.
Also check before you fly United Airlines
Power banks on United Airlines
United reportedly no longer allows power banks in overhead bins (from 1 March 2026) and otherwise keeps the old US limits of 100Wh freely and 100-160Wh with airline approval, but none of this could be confirmed on united.com.
Power-bank rules and Wh calculatorLiquids depend on the airport
The airline doesn’t set the liquids limit. The departure airport’s security does. Some now allow up to 2 litres.
Liquids rules by airportUnited Airlines cabin bag questions
What size is United Airlines’ free under-seat bag?
43 × 25 × 22 cm on the Basic Economy fare. It must fit under the seat in front of you.
What size cabin bag can I take on United Airlines?
Up to 56 × 35 × 23 cm. It’s included with United Economy and Premium cabins.
Do United Airlines’ size limits include wheels and handles?
Yes. The limits are for the whole bag, including wheels, handles and side pockets.
What happens if my bag is too big for United Airlines?
Oversized or extra bags must be checked and a fee may apply. On Basic Economy, a bag that won't fit under the seat is gate-checked for a fee. $75 on Basic Economy ($65 on tickets bought before 3 April 2026)
Can I take a power bank on United Airlines?
United reportedly no longer allows power banks in overhead bins (from 1 March 2026) and otherwise keeps the old US limits of 100Wh freely and 100-160Wh with airline approval, but none of this could be confirmed on united.com.
How United Airlines compares
Free allowances on the cheapest fare of similar airlines.
| Airline · cheapest fare | Free under-seat bag | Overhead cabin bag | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| United AirlinesBasic Economy | Under-seat43 × 25 × 22 cm | Cabin bagPaid add-on · 56 × 35 × 23 cm | |
| Air FranceBasic | Under-seat40 × 30 × 15 cm | Cabin bagPaid add-on · 55 × 35 × 25 cm · 12 kg | |
| American AirlinesBasic Economy | Under-seat45 × 35 × 20 cm | Cabin bag56 × 36 × 23 cm | |
| British AirwaysEconomy (no checked bag) | Under-seat40 × 30 × 15 cm | Cabin bag56 × 45 × 25 cm | |
| Delta Air LinesDelta Main Basic (Basic Economy) | Under-seatIncluded · size not published | Cabin bag56 × 35 × 23 cm |